Camden Kebab Shop Owner Slams ‘Racist’ Neighbours Over Chaos; Licence Revoked, Camden 2026

Key Points

• A TikTok-famous takeaway, Lebanese Grill Express in Camden, north London, faces complaints from neighbours over late-night disruption, including fights, loud music, noise, litter, and violence since its opening.
• Locals describe the shop as a ‘hub for delinquents’ and the area as the ‘Wild West’, claiming it makes their lives a ‘misery’.
• The shop owner calls neighbours ‘racist’ and states ‘it’s not our duty’ to make customers behave.
• Camden Council revoked the shop’s late-night licence in December 2025 due to ongoing noise and disturbance, limiting hot food and drinks after 11 pm, though an appeal allows continued trading.
• Food Standards Agency gave a zero-star hygiene rating in February 2026, requiring major improvements in food handling, cleanliness, and safety management.
• Residents in nearby Bourne Estate report crowds taking over playgrounds, drug-taking, and fights; complaints lodged with the council, the police, and the shop.
• Met Police increased patrols to address anti-social behaviour.
• Shop owner labels council decision “unfair” and “more of a racism thing”.

Camden (North London News) April 28, 2026 – A bitter feud has erupted between residents and the TikTok-famous Lebanese Grill Express takeaway over claims of late-night anti-social behaviour, with the shop owner accusing complaining neighbours of racism.

What Sparked the Feud Between the Kebab Shop and Neighbours?

Residents near the Lebanese Grill Express on Leather Lane in Camden have reported ongoing disruption since the shop opened, including fights, loud music into the early hours, noise, litter, and violence.

As detailed in the Daily Mail article, locals claimed the kebab shop is making their lives a ‘misery’, with one describing it as a ‘hub for delinquents’ and another comparing the area to the ‘Wild West’ .

The shop, popular on TikTok, has drawn crowds that locals say spill over into the nearby Bourne Estate, affecting playgrounds and residential blocks.

According to GB News reporting, neighbours have endured this for five years, with constant noise from crowds, litter-strewn streets, and occasional fights.

A mother-of-two living on the estate told GB News:

“If this were happening in Chelsea or Hampstead, the place would be shut down.”

She described the business as operating “above the law” in Camden’s most deprived area.

Another neighbour added to GB News: “It’s got so bad that people want to move”.

What Actions Has Camden Council Taken on the Late-Night Licence?

Camden Council revoked the Lebanese Grill Express’s late-night licence at a panel meeting last week, as reported by Camden New Journal journalist Caitlin Maskell on December 8, 2025. This means the venue can no longer serve hot food and drinks after 11 pm due to ongoing noise and disturbance issues.

A Camden Council spokesperson stated:

“Leather Lane is a vibrant street and we want to ensure it remains a welcoming, safe and well-managed area for everyone. Due to ongoing noise and disturbance issues, we revoked the late-night licence for the Lebanese Grill Express at a panel meeting last week which means they can no longer serve hot food and drinks after 11pm. We are continuing to monitor the venue and are taking action to address the latest concerns raised by residents”.

However, the decision has been appealed, allowing the shop to continue trading until the court determines the outcome, according to a Camden Council spokesman cited in GB News.

Earlier, on November 28, 2025, Camden New Journal journalist Caitlin Maskell covered calls from residents for the council to revoke the licence entirely. A resident statement read:

“The whole estate including children’s playgrounds are taken over by groups of customers from Lebanese Grill. Not only do large groups come to the estate to eat their food, they then spend time terrorising the residents by fighting, drug-taking, gaining access to different blocks. We ask that the Lebanese Grill’s licence be completely revised so that our community can finally live in a happy, clean and environmentally friendly place”.

Residents also complained of the smell from cooking, adding to noise and litter issues.

How Has the Shop Owner Responded to the Complaints?

The owner of Lebanese Grill Express has strongly rejected the complaints, calling neighbours ‘racist’ and stating ‘it’s not our duty’ to make customers behave, as covered in the initial Daily Mail report [ from query].

In the Camden New Journal on December 8, 2025, Caitlin Maskell reported the owner railing against the council for removing the late-night licence, branding the decision “unfair” and “more of a racism thing”.

Crowds have been seen gathering at the corner of Leather Lane, highlighting the shop’s popularity, particularly on TikTok, as noted in multiple outlets, including GB News.

Despite the backlash, the shop continues serving patrons from evening into early hours.

What Hygiene Issues Were Found at the Kebab Shop?

The Food Standards Agency inspected Lebanese Grill Express in February 2026 and issued a zero-star hygiene rating, determining that “major improvements” were necessary in hygienic food handling, cleanliness, and food safety management, according to GB News.

This rating came amid the ongoing complaints, but it has not halted operations.

What Role Has the Police Played in Addressing the Issues?

The Met Police has increased patrols near the Lebanese Grill Express to tackle the reported anti-social behaviour, as stated in GB News coverage.

Locals have lodged numerous complaints directly with the police, alongside the council and the takeaway itself.

Background of the Development

The Lebanese Grill Express on Leather Lane gained fame through TikTok videos showcasing its kebabs, drawing large crowds to the Camden area. Complaints began soon after opening, escalating over five years with reports of noise, litter, smoke, and violence affecting the Bourne Estate residents.

Camden Council first faced calls to act in November 2025, leading to the late-night licence revocation in December 2025, though the appeal process continues. Hygiene inspection in February 2026 added further scrutiny, while police patrols aim to curb disruptions. The shop maintains operations amid the disputes.

Prediction: Impact on Local Residents

This development could prolong disturbances for Bourne Estate residents, as the appeal keeps late-night trading active, potentially delaying the resolution of noise, litter, and safety concerns.

Families with children may face continued disruption to playgrounds and sleep, possibly prompting more relocations or complaints. Increased police patrols might reduce fights and drug-taking temporarily, but without licence enforcement, anti-social behaviour persists, affecting the quality of life in this deprived area. Neighbours may experience ongoing stress until the court ruling, while council monitoring could lead to stricter measures if issues continue.